Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Sunbury area fire—claims a life

SUNBURY – A fatal fire in the Sunbury area has been ruled accidental in nature.  The blaze started around 4:30 Wednesday morning at 136 Black Mill Road in Upper Augusta Township.  34-year-old Shawn Michaels was found on a couch in the home; he was taken to Sunbury Community Hospital and died a short time later from smoke inhalation.  Michaels lived with his father, Richard Michaels, although the father was at work at the time of the blaze.

State Police Fire Marshal Norman Fedder says the fire originated near an electric wall heater in a hallway leading to the kitchen and basement area of the home.  The fire quickly spread into the kitchen and when crews arrived on the scene the home was fully involved with flames.  

Upper Augusta Township, Sunbury and Stonington volunteer fire departments all responded.  No other injuries were reported. (Sara Bartlett) 

Firetree in Snyder Co. I: Rehab patients likely to be local

BEAVER SPRINGS – A Firetree job fair at the former Beaver-Adams Elementary School had some residents waiting outside with resumes, while others picketed with signs in opposition.  Firetree’s Director of Administration, Scott Snyder, says people should not be afraid of this type of facility.  He says all of Firetree’s facilities are highly rated and they don’t expect to have any problems in this area.  Snyder says the facility will be a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center and most of the people that will be brought into the facility will be from the Central Pennsylvania area. 

He notes that the center is contracted with other agencies that may bring people to the facility as well.  Some residents on hand held signs that read “Tell the Truth Firetree” and “Say No to Firetree.”  Others said they were willing to learn more about the facility and wanted to take advantage of the facility’s job opportunities.  The drug and rehab center is slated to open this summer and employ around 30 people. (Sara Lauver)

Firetree in Snyder Co. II: It’s not all protestors

BEAVER SPRINGS – Despite some who are protesting, many residents in and around Beaver Springs say they are willing to learn more about the company who is bringing a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center to the area.  Firetree is holding a job fair today at the former Beaver-Springs Elementary School, and many people say they want to take advantage of the job opportunity.  Firetree’s Director of Administration, Scott Snyder, says residents have no reason to be afraid of this type of facility coming to the area.  He says all of Firetree’s facilities are highly rated and they don’t expect to have any problems in this area.

Snyder says while Firetree does have contracts with other agencies who may bring people to the facility, most people at the rehab center would be from central Pennsylvania.  The facility is slated to open this summer and employ around 30 people.

Crews called to a fire in a mobile home

RIVERSIDE – An electrical fire destroyed a mobile home near Riverside early Wednesday morning.  Southside Fire Chief Nicholas Fowler says they received a call around 3:15a.m. from a neighbor who reportedly heard a loud explosion.  When crews arrived to 311 Pine Swamp Hollow Road in Rush Township, the structure was fully involved in flames.  The home, owned by Nancy Taylor of Bloomsburg, was vacant and appeared to be used only as a summer home or a hunting camp.

Crews from Danville, Mahoning Township, Elysburg, and Upper Augusta Township assisted Southside with the firefight.  Danville Ambulance was also on the scene.  A State Police Fire Marshal will investigate Thursday.  Initial damages are estimated at $25,000.  No injuries were reported in the blaze. (Sara Bartlett)

New member of the Danville School Board is selected

DANVILLE – A new member of the Danville School Board has been selected to replace the departing Carol Bisordi.  Jennifer Henning was one of eight candidates vying for the empty seat on the board.  Henning is the mother of two children and is president of the Riverside Home and School Association. 

Discussion on the consolidation of school buildings in the Danville School District continued at last night’s meeting.  The Montour County Commissioners and the Danville Borough Council would both like to see the Danville Elementary School kept open.  The board members have been asked to have a tentative report ready for the meeting on April 22^nd on what the best option will be.

Andrew Lyons steps down as Union County Solicitor

LEWISBURG – Union County Solicitor Andrew Lyons has resigned.  The announcement was made at yesterday’s Commissioner’s meeting.  Lyons stated the increase amount of time invested into his private practice as one reasoning for stepping down.  Lyons has been on the job for ten years.  Last spring, he unsuccessfully ran against incumbent Pete Johnson as Union County District Attorney.  The Commissioners unanimously approved former Snyder County Solicitor Tom Clark as the interim solicitor, and they are currently accepting resumes for the position.   

Crews called to a fire in an abandoned trailer

RIVERSIDE – Fire crews were called to a working structure fire in an abandoned trailer early this morning near Riverside.  The fire started around 3:30 a.m. at 50 Earlstons Road, off of Pine Swamp Hollow Road in Rush Township, Northumberland County.  Crews were on the scene for a couple of hours investigating.  The trailer was reported to be vacant at the time of the fire.  Crews from both Montour and Northumberland Counties were called to the scene.  No other details are available.  (Ali Stevens)

Former Snyder County employee hired as chief clerk

MIDDLEBURG – Snyder County Commissioners hired a familiar face as full-time chief clerk.  Commissioners voted yesterday to put Lee Knepp in the position.  Knepp worked as the county’s chief clerk for over 30 years.  He resigned in 2006.  Commissioner Joe Kantz and Malcolm Derk voted unanimously to put Knepp into the position.  Commissioner Richard Bickhart was not present at the meeting.  Last week, Bickhart said he didn’t see the need for an additional full-time chief clerk position, but eventually approved the motion to hire one.  Current chief clerk Veda Heintzelman will move to an assistant position with a salary of $41,000.  Knepp will be making $55,000.  His position is effective Monday.

Prisoner released in error now back behind bars

SUNBURY – An inmate who was erroneously released from the Northumberland County Prison last week is now back behind bars.  Eric Clark of Shamokin was taken into custody on Monday night in Linglestown after being released Thursday afternoon.  Clark, a current prisoner, was taken to District Justice John Gembic’s office last Thursday for arraignment on another set of charges and Gembic sent him back to the prison on $20,000 cash bail.  However, instead of being sent back to his cell, Clark was mistakenly released.  Prison officials have not commented on the incident and Gembic isn’t sure why the prisoner was released.  A warrant was immediately issued for Clark’s arrest as soon as the District Justice learned he was at large.  County Detective Francis Bower is now investigating the incident.  (Ali Stevens)

Kulpmont’s police chief resigns

KULPMONT – After 14-years on the job, Kulpmont’s Chief of Police has resigned.  The News Item reports Ed Grego submitted his letter of resignation to borough council and Mayor Robert Slaby on Sunday and the resignation was accepted at the Tuesday night meeting.  Grego’s last day on the job will be April 23^rd.  Grego has taken a new position with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. 

He took time at the meeting to thank all of the people he has worked with over the years and all of the support he received.  (Ali Stevens)

Commissioners vote to alert fed govt, attract $$$

SUNBURY – More than $1.5 billion federal dollars are being spent statewide to reclaim or fix-up land used for coal mining.  Northumberland County Commissioners want the county to claim its fair share of it.  Commissioner chair Frank Sawicki says much of the 20,000 local acres are still owned by coal companies, and some are unlikely to participate as there is still coal to mine when the price makes it worthwhile.  Coal mining areas not reclaimed feed acidic rainwater into local waterways, making them virtually unable to sustain aquatic life.

Non-union county employees to get raises

SUNBURY – Northumberland County is giving its okay to salary increases ranging from 10% to 15% for a number of supervisory employees in the Adult Probation, Juvenile Probation and Domestic Relations Departments. County Comptroller Chuck Erdman is on the Salary Board and says he approves, with reservations.

Erdman says the move could have the effect of prompting other county employees to seek similar increases. However, Erdman says it’s a step toward offering non-union county employees salaries that are comparable to what employees are paid in surrounding counties.

Position covered include two supervisors and an office manager for the Adult Probation Department, three supervisors and the chief of Juvenile Probation, and the director, assistant director and supervisor of Domestic Relations. The salaries were approved by the salary board, which now meets regularly prior to Northumberland County Commissioners meetings. (Matt Farrand)

Dan Meuser says he has never donated to Clinton campaign

SUNBURY – 10th District Congressional Candidate Dan Meuser says he has never given money to Hillary Clinton, despite a claim made in an ad running for his opponent Chris Hackett. He says he has never made any donation, nor has he had his company make a donation to Hillary Clinton. In the ad, Hackett’s campaign says Meuser has made other financial donations to Democrats including Governor Ed Rendell.

Meuser explained why on Tuesday’s “On the Mark” program, saying it was a business decision at the time. Meuser says Hackett has given 20 percent of his dollars to Democrats, while he has only given them 10 percent.

Dan Meuser and Chris Hackett are the republican candidates for Congress’s 10th District. The winner in the primary will face off against Democratic Incumbent Chris Carney in the general election. Hackett is scheduled to appear on ‘On The Mark’ next week. (Ali Stevens)

Local bank stock down as big S&L reports losses

NEW YORK – It’s a week where quarterly earnings reports will likely be on the minds of investors. The effect of the sub-prime mortgage crisis will no doubt cut into the earnings of banks and financial institutions. America’s largest savings and loan cut its quarterly payout by 93 percent Tuesday, as Washington Mutual also announced a $1.1 billion dollar loss for its most recent quarter.

The announcement weighed heavily on stocks. Local banking and housing issues all followed the markets lower, as Susquehanna Bancshares dropped 1.3% to 21.19, Sovreign Bancorp dropped more than 1.5% to 9.36, MidPenn Bancorp, M&T Bank and FNB Corp each lost a fraction.

Housing manufacturer Fleetwood Enterprises fell 1.5% to 4.53. Consumer goods producers Sara Lee and Conagra each lost a fraction. But Weis Markets gained 0.5% to 34.57, utility PPL Corp finished the day higher, and Community Health Systems gained more than 3.0% and will enter the new day at 37.44. (Matt Farrand)

DEP fines Middleburg plant

MIDDLEBURG – The Department of Environmental Protection has fined a Snyder County masonry plant. Beavertown Block Company, located in Middleburg, has been fined $11,500 for allegedly failing to maintain stormwater and erosion at their plant.

DEP spokesman Dan Spadoni says an investigation of the plant last summer revealed that runoff and drainage from raw materials were discharging excessive amounts of silt, sand and gravel into three tributaries of Middle Creek. A DEP biologist found that the runoff was harming aquatic organisms living in the waters as well.

Spadoni also says the company used a rejected concrete block without testing it to meet DEP’s clean fill policy. The company has 120 days to hire an engineer to address the violations, and submit a plan of corrective action. DEP will reevaluate the site after the violations are corrected. Beavertown Block is a 75-year-old family run company. They have two additional plants in Pleasant Gap and McKee, Perry County. (Sara Bartlett)

How to fix the problem of Abandon Mine Drainage

SUNBURY – Robert Hughes describes the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandon Mine Reclamation the “spoke” that coordinates many other local organizations in an effort to treat mine drainage in local waterways. He says reclamation does reduce the amount of water that gets into the mines and keeps it on the surface, but it doesn’t completely eliminate the problem.

EPCAMR, along with many of their partners, have been working on Catawissa Creek and Hughes says over 36 miles of stream previously impacted by acid mine drainage has been restored. He says they are also making progress on Shamokin Creek, after providing initial funding for equipment as well as the funds for a watershed assessment test.

In addition to working with conservation districts in surrounding counties, Hughes says they also go into local schools to educate children about their watersheds and what they can do to help. For more information on the Eastern PA Coalition for Abandon Mine Reclamation go online to www.orangewaternetwork.org. (Sara Bartlett)

Rail work on track in Sunbury

SUNBURY – Norfolk Southern maintenance crews are in the middle of a project that will see most of Sunbury’s highly traveled railroad crossings repaired. Traffic is being routed around the grade crossing on Race Street this week.

The project follows a similar repair at Packer Street last week, and the expected repair of the Arch Street crossing starting Monday the 14th. Drivers will find a smoother ride across the new rubberized crossings when the work is complete. (Matt Farrand)

Man accused of forging and cashing checks

SUNBURY – A Sunbury man is accused of forging and cashing checks at a local bank. Sunbury police say Brian Walker is charged with forgery, theft and receiving stolen property. The 24-year-old from Sunbury was arraigned and sent to the Northumberland County Prison on $40,000 cash bail.

He reportedly took a man’s checkbook from his vehicle a month ago and then forged the man’s name on the checks and cashed them at Swineford National Bank in Sunbury. Police say Walker cashed more than $2,100 in checks before the incident was discovered. (Ali Stevens)

Change in a vehicular homicide case will send the case to trial

SHAMOKIN – A Shamokin teen that was expected to plead guilty to vehicle homicide has filed for a continuance and the case will now go to court for a jury trial. 19-year-old Michael Rutkowski was granted a continuance on Monday afternoon after his attorney requested one. The trial is now expected to take place in July.

Rutkowski is charged with an accident on November 4th of 2006, that left his 18-year-old friend, Tristen Schrader of Burnside, dead. Rutkowski is charged with DUI, homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, underage drinking and other counts.

The News Item reports Tristen Schrader’s parents were in the courtroom awaiting the plea and were surprised to learn of the continuance, saying they just wanted a guilty plea and for it all to be over. Rutkowski is free on bail. He faces 10 year in prison if found guilty.

Police say Rutkowski’s blood alcohol content was more than double the legal limit at the time of the crash. He was reportedly traveling more than 60 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone in Coal Township when he round a curve and struck a utility pole. Schrader was pronounced dead at the scene. Rutkowski was also seriously injured in the crash. (Ali Stevens)

Berwick woman charged after stealing from State Senator’s law office

BERWICK – A preliminary hearing is coming up for a woman who stole nearly $25,000 from the Berwick law office of State Senator John Gordner. According to the Press Enterprise, 36-year-old Michele Heddings, of Berwick, worked at the office for about four years, when she revealed she had an illness.

She was then allowed to work from home, where she reportedly used that time to forge company checks to herself, and pocket nearly $5,000. Heddings was also in charge of keeping the books, which she allegedly doctored to cover up her actions. Heddings admitted to the thefts and confessed to forging signatures on the checks. She will face a preliminary hearing Friday.

Latest Pennsylvania news, sports, business and entertainment:

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - A bill that received Senate approval today would require people to prove they are U.S. citizens or legal residents is they want public benefits.  The bill passed 39-10 and now goes to the House.  Programs that would be affected by the bill include applications for Medicaid, state universities, state college grants, unemployment compensation, the state's health insurance program, home-heating help, food stamps, welfare cash grants and more.  Children under 18 would be exempt, as would the disabled who receive Supplemental Security Income or Social Security and seniors who are eligible for Medicare.  Proponents say the stricter ID requirements will help ensure that illegal immigrants do not improperly get such benefits.  However, critics, including the Rendell administration, say there is no proof that that happens, and that the bill will only hurt legal residents who have no ID.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Harrisburg University of Science and Technology has received a multimillion-dollar gift from a Cumberland County-based company.  Select Medical Corp. of Lower Allen Township has awarded the school $2.6 million.  University President Mel Schiavelli calls it "a red-letter day for the university."  Schiavelli says the money will go toward construction of the new Select Medical Conference Center, as well as student programs for the university's new 16-story Academic Center on Market Street.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Here are the winning numbers selected Wednesday in the midday Pennsylvania State Lottery drawing:

Daily Number 0-1-7

Big 4 3-6-7-0

Treasure Hunt 8-13-18-20-23

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)